Real Moms' Tips on Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

Updated: January 29, 2015

You're finding the merits of motherhood to be nothing short of miraculous, but finding time to fit anything else into your full-time schedule is another story. Here are some great tips from real moms in your (house) shoes to help keep you sane — and your household happy.

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Being a stay-at-home mom comes with a bundle of benefits — and all the one-on-one time with your bundle tops the list. But with a tot always in tow, it's hard to make room for that much-needed mommy time you've no doubt been craving. Learn how to manage life as a SAHM with these tried-and-true tips from your fellow WTE moms.

Make Naptime You Time

Stocksy

"Take advantage of naptime. Have a cup of coffee, call a friend, or read a book. Do something grown up. You will be amazed by how a few kid-free minutes can help you keep things in order."

— Hannah

Get Out There

Stocksy

"Do something fun each day, and get involved with play groups and activities. Library reading time is fun, and so are classes at your local community center."

— Kara

Stick to a Schedule

Danil Nevsky/Stocksy

"As a SAHM, I find that on the days I get off routine everything goes wacky! Day-to-day challenges will inevitably cause hiccups, but at least you know on Tuesdays, for example, you have breakfast followed by a Starbucks run, park time with the kids, and then back home for a snack. Just keep it easy and simple."

— Amber

Take on a New Title

Giorgio Magini/Stocksy

"Start a hobby or a small home business. Having something else to manage and feel passionate about will give you another identity other than 'Mommy'."

— Kara Layne

Round Up the Troops

Jayme Burrows/Stocksy

"Girls' night once a month works for me! Have your partner or a babysitter watch the kids for a few hours to you can have time with your friends to laugh, vent, and enjoy each other's company."

— Suzy

Fit in Fitness

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"Our best weeks are when we go to the gym, and the kids play in the 'Kids Korner' with teachers while I work out. It makes the day much easier, and by the time we get home it's time for lunch and a nap. Before I know it, it's dinner time and hubby's home!"

— Shera

Kick Back and Relax

Marija Mandic/Stocksy

"Create a playroom in your house that's safe for the kids to touch and play with anything. Include a comfortable chair or sofa for you to relax in while you watch them. Once they're older, it's the perfect opportunity for you to read a good book or use your laptop to entertain you."

— Julia

Shop Around

Alejandro Moreno de Carlos/Stocksy

"Go shopping daily. Not to buy anything, just to get out of the house. Use it as a teaching experience for the kids while having fun and being around other adults!"

— Katrina

Delegate to Dad

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"My husband watches the baby once a week for me so I can go out and shop or work on a sewing project by myself for a few hours. I'm very grateful to be able to stay home with my baby, but we learned that I needed a hobby to keep me sane and give me some alone time. It has really helped and has given baby and daddy some bonding time too."

— Tammy

Treasure Time Together

Saptak Ganguly/Stocksy

"Stop looking at being at home as a chore, and instead view it as an opportunity. Spend as much time as you can relishing your kids by playing, growing, and learning together. Share your interests, even if that means holding your infant in your lap while reading your favorite book or magazine. Kids are amazing, and they grow up way too fast."